With free agency and the NFL draft behind us, and OTAs now underway, what is the Indianapolis Colts’ top remaining priority that they have to address?
With free agency and the NFL draft behind us, and OTAs now underway, what is the Indianapolis Colts’ top remaining priority that they have to address?
Kevin Patra of NFL.com recently answered this question for each team, and when it comes to the Colts, there’s a pretty obvious answer: figure out who the starting quarterback is.
“The mere presence of the former Giants first-rounder puts heat on Richardson,” wrote Patra. “Jones isn’t a franchise-altering option, but he does give Shane Steichen a viable choice should Richardson tank — at least Jones has been to the playoffs. The Colts are hoping pressure finally turns Richardson into a diamond. If it doesn’t, Indy could decide to see what Jones can do.”
The competition for the starting quarterback role is well underway in Indianapolis. Outside of the team having to name a starter prior to Week 1, there is no hard deadline for when a decision has to be made. Ultimately, the Colts will wait to see who emerges and is the most consistent.
To determine that, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will be splitting the starting quarterback reps throughout OTAs and into training camp.
“It is an open competition,” Shane Steichen said after Wednesday’s practice. “Those guys are competing. We’re breaking down the reps; they’re both getting one reps, they’re both getting two reps. I think through OTAs, we got nine good practices, they’ll both get about 170 reps a piece with those guys, with the ones and twos. We’ll flip-flop them.”
Steichen and GM Chris Ballard believe that the competition will bring out the best in both players and, therefore, elevate the play of that position group.
One of the points of emphasis this offseason for Richardson has been returning to the fundamentals of the quarterback position, specifically his footwork, which is where accuracy often begins. Last season, Richardson would complete just 47% of his pass attempts.
Jones has been a relatively efficient in his career as a passer, completing 64% of his passes, but struggled with interceptions and generating big plays with the Giants last season.
There is a lot to like about this Colts’ roster, but their level of success will be determined by the play of either Richardson or Jones.